More thoughts. Stroke the CDC fibers toward the tip of the feather. Place the feather against the hook and get the barbule length you need. Assuming you are right handed, pinch the barbules with your thumb and forefinger of your left hand where the feather will be tied in. With your right hand do the same thing and stroke the fibers back toward the butt of the feather. This creates a gap in the fibers,and this is where you tie the feather shaft in. This prevents the shorter fibers from being bound down toward the bend and giving you differing fiber lengths. Hope this helps. Silvercreek